Fantasy Analysis

Looking ahead at 2018 free agency for fantasy

By George Kritikos &bullet;
Jun 10, 2017

at Gillette Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Based on the title, this article could be seen as premature. But for dynasty owners, they understand that forethought is essential to stay ahead of the competition. That doesn’t mean just staying active, but to search for player opportunities within an NFL offense. Injuries, suspensions, and even poor play are not predictable. Free agency, on the other hand, is something we can examine early with a higher level of accuracy.

NFL teams are already planning for next year’s free agency. Let’s do the same.

Quarterback

This is a marquee class of quarterbacks who will/could enter into unrestricted free agency after the season. Most are not likely going to change teams, but expect a few opportunities available based upon 2017 play and available market dollars. Here is an abbreviated list of key players:

Name

Age

2017 Team

2017 Salary (in MMs)

Drew Brees

38

NO

$24.3

Kirk Cousins

28

WAS

$23.9

Sam Bradford

29

MIN

$18.0

Matt Stafford

29

DET

$17.7

Josh McCown

37

NYJ

$6.0

Teddy Bridgewater

25

MIN

$1.7

Derek Carr

26

OAK

$1.3

Jimmy Garoppolo

25

NE

$0.9

Within this group, Brees, Stafford, and Carr will all be safe and should see contract extensions assuming none of them look to retire. Cousins should be on that list, but Washington seems content to let things ride out a little longer. The remaining players are where we could see a few speculative additions, especially in superflex and two-quarterback leagues.